India's Public Policy Guidelines and Programs for the Welfare of its Senior Citizens: What more needs to be done?

India's Public Policy Guidelines and Programs for Senior Citizens

Abstract

India is the most populous country in the world, and has nearly 138 million elderly persons (aged 60 years or above). According to the Report of the Technical Group on Population Projections for India and States 2011-2036, there are more elderly females (71 million) than males (67 million), mostly living in rural areas (73 million) and with an old age dependency ratio of 15.7 in 2021. Both the share and size of the elderly population are increasing over time. Objective: To review the public policy and the schemes available for the senior citizens in India, and identify areas that need focused attention. Methods: Multiple global, regional, and national databases were searched using pre-identified search terms. Results: There exists a huge gap in both supply and demand side despite a National Policy on Older Persons, 1999 (under revision), a National Council of Senior Citizens, an Integrated Program for Older People (maintenance of old age homes and respite care homes; multi-service centers, mobile Medicare unit, dementia daycare center, a multi-facility care center for older widows, physiotherapy clinics, help lines and counseling, program for Sensitization, awareness projects for, formation of senior citizen associations/ self-help groups) and various financial, social, and health care schemes for the elderly run by various Ministries. Interstate variations in performance, poor public perception of aging, their rights, and benefits are adversely affecting the schemes. Conclusion: The Public Sector needs to focus more on strong and intensified political will, a humanitarian approach, innovative schemes, evidence to influence policy, more attention to social, psychological, and health care needs, adequate health financing, governance, monitoring, and impact of the schemes.